Switchbacks and sunburn, the O’Leary Adventure

Conquered 9.97 miles and climbed over 2,200 feet in just under 3.5 hours on an unforgettable trek to the lookout. The trail, a well-maintained gravel forest road with a slow incline, as you reach near the stop, getting a bit steeper. Those long stretches of the switchbacks felt endless at times, but the reward was worth every step. With the sun blazing in the high 80s, it was like hiking through a giant heated fan, with only the occasional breeze under trees offering brief relief. Great views of the peaks, Mt Elden, and Sunset Crater, as well as many other mountains in the background. Had the whole trail to myself!